Glenbard West collecting clothes for ELL students, families

By Posted by Peg Mannion, Community Contributor

Glenbard West High School’s English language learners (ELL) program is collecting new and gently used clothing for Sarah’s Closet, which benefits needy students and their families. All donated items are given to families free of charge. If you have items that you wish to donate, please drop them off at Glenbard West’s main office, 670 Crescent Blvd. in Glen Ellyn.

Donations will help outfit more than 80 ELL students and their families, many of whom come from tropical climates and have never experienced a Chicago winter. The ELL program serves students from around the world, including the countries of Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, India, Pakistan, Mexico, Iraq, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.

Sarah’s Closet will open to students the week of Nov. 4, and families are invited to “shop” the evening of Nov. 6.

Glenbard West offers four levels of English: Newcomer, 1, 2, and 3 as well as sheltered classes in math, science and history. Teachers make the content comprehensible through techniques such as the use of visual aids, graphic organizers, adapted texts, scaffolded instruction and bilingual support. Special curricula also are designed for students with beginning level literacy and gaps in their educational experiences. The program is designed to mainstream students as soon as they are proficient in English.

Further information is available by contacting Sarah Hoisington at sarah_hoisington@glenbard.org, or Maggie O’Connor at margaret_oconnor@glenbard.org or 469-8600.